Skincare is a multi-billion dollar industry and growing. It comes as no surprise that just as many other industry’s are embracing the green movement, so is the beauty business. With new companies launching wholesome, natural products every year, it can be a bit overwhelming as to which products help you achieve the clear, flawless skin you desire without hurting the environment. Terralina is a new skincare line that offers a healthy collection of facial cleansers, moisturizers, and exfoliators without the damaging ingredients that can cause more problems than they solve. Free of harmful chemicals, such as parabens, silicone, mineral oils, glycols and artificial fragrances, Terralina is made from a blend of natural and synthetic ingredients that help heal, protect, and nourish delicate skin.
Another key aspect of Terralina is its creators, Patricia Bazan Garrubbo of Argentina and Gina Garrubbo, two cousins who set their sights on creating a unique collection of products for women in search of safer skincare options. NocheLatina had the wonderful opportunity to interview Patricia Bazan Garrubbo about Terralina and how becoming green can make any Latina gorgeous inside and out.
nocheLatina.com: What inspired you to create a green beauty and skincare line?
Patricia Bazan Garrubbo: When I was pregnant with my first child, I became obsessed about what I was doing to my body and baby. Like other expecting mothers do, I read tons of books and magazines and was surprised to find out that commonly used skincare products were not necessarily safe to use during pregnancy. Years later at a family gathering, my cousin-by-marriage and business partner Gina Garrubbo and I realized that we had shared parallel experiences and concerns. We both wanted women to continue with a skincare regimen that is both effective and a pleasure to use.
nocheLatina.com: What makes your products green/eco-friendly?
Patricia Bazan Garrubbo: Terralina products are at least 98.85% natural. We also chose to formulate without known allergens, such as peanut and citrus oils. We specifically under package and don’t use extraneous wrappers and boxes for our products. We were one of the first skincare companies to use 100 % PCR (Post Consumer Recycled Plastic) in our bottles for two products launched in September 2007. The paper we use is 100 % post consumer recycled paper. Our shipping boxes are 80% post consumer recycled materials and all of our products are packed in corn-based foam. We try to use reusable materials, like our gift packaging, which consists of attractive, totally reusable tote baskets or organza pouches. Our latest green award-winning gift packaging is an elegant and reusable box made of recycled plastic shopping bags collected from the streets of India.
nocheLatina.com: How does your background factor into your beauty philosophy?
Patricia Bazan Garrubbo: I’m from Argentina, where I lived until the age of 15. Argentine women consider themselves modern, but are still influenced by colonial traditions. Like other Latinas, we are image conscious and like to take care of our appearance, which is why skincare is so important. As mothers, we want the best for our children and in my life that has translated into using the healthiest products for my family.
nocheLatina.com: Why do you think the green movement has taken off so rapidly?
Patricia Bazan Garrubbo: I think part of the reason is that younger generations are very conscious of the disastrous consequences of NOT living a green life. Even though the green movement began in late 19th century Europe and US as a reaction to the Industrial revolution, notable and visible leaders like Al Gore and Leonardo DiCaprio have brought awareness to the green movement on a grand scale. Also, smaller companies have realized that they can still make money while taking care of our earth, since new technologies have enabled them to take green initiatives to the market. This has given consumers many more green choices than they’ve had in a long time, empowering them to do something about the problems.
nocheLatina.com: How has the green movement impacted the Latino community in recent years?
Patricia Bazan Garrubbo: The green movement is a natural fit with Latinos. Natural home remedies have thrived in the Latino community for generations. Many of us remember those traditions and growing up with abuelas who were experts on these and teas, or yerbas, which is all very ‘green.’
nocheLatina.com: What are some ways Latinas can further improve their beauty and health routines in a green manner?
Patricia Bazan Garrubbo: First, it is important to remember that we have many skin types with a wide range and degrees of tones. At Terralina, we firmly believe that what you put on your skin goes into your body, so we strongly encourage people to use the least toxic products possible for their daily routine. We have also seen women over applying products that are too harsh for their skin, so we suggest using a mild cleanser and experimenting with a natural facial moisturizer that works for them. For an extra glow, we suggest exfoliating in a gentle manner.
nocheLatina.com: What are your best-selling products in both the beauty and skin care categories?
Patricia Bazan Garrubbo: Our best-selling product has become the Terralina Gentle Facial Cleanser, which received a Green Star award from Elle Magazine for ‘Best Facial Wash’ and has been praised by celebrities like Alicia Silverstone. It is a creamy formula you rinse off. Oat and bark extracts are used for effective cleansing while willow herb and chamomile calms the skin. Because it is made without harmful sulfates or aggressive detergents, our customers find that they don’t experience the irritation or dryness that’s common with other cleansers.
nocheLatina.com: What is the future for Terralina?
Patricia Bazan Garrubbo: Our dream for the company is to grow Terralina into a full line, so that we can offer many more products to health-conscious people and to distribute internationally. Currently we have a wonderful Gentle Facial Exfoliator launching in July 2009.
To learn more about Terralina Skincare, click here.
